13.10.16

Iran Condemns Attacks On Nigerian Shia Muslims

TEHRAN
(Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned deadly attacks on
Shiite Muslims attending religious mourning processions in Nigeria,
stressing the Nigerian government’s responsibility to ensure security
for people.
Following Wednesday’s attacks on Shiite mourners in
Nigeria’s cities of Kaduna and Funtua, Iranian Foreign Ministry
Spokesman Bahram Qassemi called for efforts to end “cruel and violent
acts by extremist and Wahhabi-affiliated forces that are, unfortunately,
either supported or ignored by the Nigerian police.”

He underscored the need for the perpetrators of the bloody shootings to be immediately arrested and brought to justice.

Qassemi
also highlighted the Abuja government’s responsibility for protection
of Shiite mourners and ensuring security of the religious rites.

At
least nine Shiite mourners were killed in Kaduna and Futuna on
Wednesday after troops opened fire on them at Ashura processions, an
event marking the anniversary of martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the
third Shiite Imam.

Tensions have been running high between
the regime and Nigeria's Shiite Muslims who have been demanding the
release of prominent cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky from prison.

The
confrontation follows a spate of arrests over recent days of members of
the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, the mainstream Shiite group led by
Sheikh Zakzaky.

The government has imposed a ban to prevent the
movement’s supporters from attending ceremonies marking the martyrdom
anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS).